Posted: Saturday, October 18, 2025. 11:07 am CST.
By Zoila Palma: Admiral Alvin Holsey, who leads U.S. military forces in Latin America, will step down at the end of this year, two years ahead of schedule, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced Thursday.
Holsey confirmed he will retire on December 12 but did not provide a reason, Reuters report.
His departure comes amid a period of heightened military activity in the Caribbean, including the deployment of guided missile destroyers, F-35 fighter jets, and roughly 6,500 troops as President Donald Trump escalates a standoff with Venezuela.
Sources reportedly said that tension between Holsey and Hegseth over operations in the Caribbean may have influenced the early retirement, though no official explanation has been provided.
Holsey is one of only two Black four-star officers leading a U.S. combatant command. In a statement, he reflected on his career, saying, “It’s been an honor to serve our nation, the American people and support and defend the Constitution for over 37 years.” Hegseth thanked Holsey for his decades of service and wished him and his family continued success.
Holsey’s departure follows a series of high-profile personnel changes since Hegseth assumed leadership at the Pentagon, including abrupt exits by top military officials.
The shake-up comes as the Pentagon shifts counter-narcotics operations in the Caribbean from Southern Command to the II Marine Expeditionary Force based in North Carolina, a move that surprised military observers.
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The post International News: Head of U.S. military for Latin America set to retire early appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
Posted: Saturday, October 18, 2025. 11:07 am CST. By Zoila Palma: Admiral Alvin Holsey, who leads U.S. military forces in Latin America, will step down at
The post International News: Head of U.S. military for Latin America set to retire early appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
